Constant power load issue in DC/DC multi-converter systems: past studies and recent trends

With the increasing application of power electronic converters in the generation, distribution, and consumption of electric energy, their connection together has become unavoidable. There are many options for these connections from the converter type and configuration points of view. However, one of the most important cases, undoubtedly, is the connection of DC/DC converters. Vehicle power distribution systems are well-known use cases of it. Meanwhile, the aforementioned connection can degrade the performance of all of the involved converters. In extreme cases, the overall system can even become unstable. Therefore, this connection has always been a subject of interest, from the early years of power electronics development up to now. Some studies tried to review solutions to this issue, but most of them are focused on a single aspect of this multi-dimensional problem, e.g., forbidden regions or passive solutions. This caused a repetition in some aspects of studying and proposing new solutions for the problem. This paper tries to take a look at the top studies that shed light on different aspects of the topic during its long history of study. It also tries to bridge the gap between the passive and active solutions.